We all know how lousy a recession feels. And we know how much long-term damage a recession can cause.

But there's still a lot we don't know about recessions — like, if you're in a recession, what's the best way to get out?

Today, we tackle the question of how to escape a recession, by going small. Economist Tim Harford walks us through two tiny self-contained economies, a babysitting co-op and a prisoner of war camp, facing what he calls "toy recessions."